An ice sculptor wrangles a chain saw to create a beautiful sculpture at last yearís Fire & Ice with Spice event. (Photo submitted by Clawson Downtown Development Authority)

CLAWSON – Fire breathers and jugglers are readying their tools of the trade before they descend on Downtown Clawson this weekend during the annual Fire & Ice with Spice festival.

The event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the municipal parking lot on South Main Street, is expected to draw 1,500 revelers to the city and flood dollars into the coffers of local charities, said Joan Horton, director of the Clawson Downtown Development Authority.

“We’ve had this particular event for a few years,” she said. “But we’ve had some event on this weekend – which is at the end of Random Acts of Kindness Week – much longer.

“This has been an event that has really evolved for us,” she said. “It’s changed from a small event to a signature event in a short period of time.”

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In previous years, fire artists, ice carvers and jugglers were the centerpiece of Fire & Ice, but this year, there are some important changes, said Horton.

“We have 10 ice carvers coming in; one professional and nine students,” she said. “Also, we’re having marshmallow roasting for the kids.”

This year, the carvers will compete with each other for a prize, Horton said.

The marshmallow roasting will take place around a custom-pit made from a washing machine tub. It was fabricated and welded by Gil’s Collision.

“They’re welding it to a base and placing rings around it so people don’t get too close,” she said.

Returning again is the Chili Cook-Off, which brings together Clawson’s restaurants to sell chili on behalf of several community groups.

This year, Horton expects that six eateries will sell chili at the event. All of the proceeds from the sale of the chili will be donated to a community group of the restaurateur’s choice. Event goers will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite chili. The restaurant with the chili that pleases the palate the most will win a $250 donation to their charity.

So far, the Clawson Grill, Dooley’s Tavern, Moose Winooski’s and Mojave Cantina have confirmed their participation, Horton said. RJ’s Diner, a new restaurant at 230 S. Main St., is also expected to participate.

Sarah Riza, owner of the Clawson Grill, is donating her proceeds from the chili sale to the Clawson High School Performing Arts Boosters. She said it’s important for area businesses to support local groups.

“I always try to give back when I can,” she said. “Many of the local high school students and their families dine at our restaurant, and I want to support the people that have supported us.”

The Clawson Food Bank and the Goodfellows will also receive donations from restaurants. Horton expects additional groups will be added during this week.

Charities need assistance

Community groups and charities that benefit from chili cook-off donations are asked to meet several needs in the city. This is especially true since the economy stumbled in 2008. City Clerk Machele Kukuk, who serves as the city liaison to the Community Food Bank, said the donations help feed about 40 families a month.

“We open twice a month at the Grace Apostolic Church, and we wouldn’t be able to help the families without those funds,” she said. “It’s not always about donated canned goods – we try to provide perishables like eggs and bread, and we need money to do that.”

Beyond helping local groups, the DDA hopes that Fire & Ice with Spice shines a light on Clawson, which is surrounded by communities that host big events.

“Because we’re such a small community, there’s a chance you could meet your neighbors,” Horton said. “It’s not such a big event that people will get lost in it.”